Choosing the Best Filter For Your Pool

If it’s time to re-evaluate the filtration system in your swimming pool, there are many different factors that go into what makes the best filter for your swimming pool. The most common filter that we see and easiest to install is a sand filter but we want to discuss a variety of different factors so you can make a wise decision and get the best filtration for your pool! When making that decision the following factors should go into that decision:

• Type of interior finish
• The amount of vegetation around your swimming pool
• The surface area of the pool
• Ease of use
• Water conservation factors

With that said, we hope this blog post gives you some insight on the best type of filter for your pool, when they should be cleaned/backwashed and what to look for when they need to be cleaned or replaced. Currently, there are three different types of filters; cartridge, sand and diatomaceous earth (D.E.) and we will be evaluating each to help you understand what makes them unique. First, we will highlight the pros and cons of each:

Cartridge Filter:

Pros

• Simple to maintain
• Filters down to 10 microns
• Since there’s no backwashing, it uses the least amount of water and is the best during drought conditions.

Cons

• Most expensive out of all the filters to purchase
• The cartridge filters can be pretty expensive

Sand Filter:

Pros

• Easiest to use
• Most common filter for swimming pools and works with most. Most common commercial swimming pool filter as well.
• Filters down to 20 microns
• Easy to backwash when pressure rises to set backwash number on the gauge

Cons

• Requires replacements of sand every 5-8 years or when a lateral break (this can be a lengthy process as it takes a while to vacuum out the sand).
• Not recommended for pebble tec pools or pools with lots of vegetation due to high micron number. The pebbles from the pool can get stuck in the sand or laterals
• If you have a green pool, it can take a very long time with this type of filter to clear up

D.E. Filter

Pros

• Filters down to the lowest of microns which is 3
• Filters the largest surface area and keeps the pool the cleanest
• Best for pools in backyards with lots of vegetation

Cons:

• After backwashing, it does require the most work

The above factors are key to making a decision on what type of filter you should buy. Most importantly, a D.E. filter is the best filter if your pool is surrounded by lots of vegetation.  Keep in mind all of these filters have pressure gauges with recommended numbers as to when they need to be backwashed or cleaned. With a sand filter, all that is necessary is a backwash but always be on the lookout for sand in your pool. When that happens, you might have a cracked lateral, which is the main filtration mechanism in a sand filter. At this point, a sand change will be necessary. As for cartridge filters, when the pressure rises to the maximum, they will need to be hosed down and cleaned (2-4 times a year). Finally, a D.E. filter should be taken apart at a minimum of one time a year. You will need to hose down the grids to get the excess D.E. off of them and then recharge the filter when you put it back together. Please note, that if you see D.E. blowing back into the pool there’s a pretty good chance there’s a tear in the grid and it will need to be replaced. With any of these filters, Weber Pools highly recommends Jandy Filters for their reliability, price point, and warranty.

With any of the above, hiring a professional weekly service and maintenance company can make all of this much easier. If you have any questions about filters, please don’t hesitate to contact us today at 817-481-7665